January 21, 2025
The team climbs to High Camp, with Mount Sheen in the background. (played by Benny Lieber)
Mont Vincennes is a mysterious mountain, perhaps the most remote corner of the earth that climbers dream of. Its allure has led many IMG teams to trek up its inspiring remote slopes, hoping to come back with incredible stories, stunning photos and some new summiteers. Vinson has been at IMG’s service this year as he has been since our Big Ice expedition in 1988.
Make the most of UG’s weather delays and ride a fat bike on a groomed 10km loop. (Max Bond)
The adventure got off to a rocky start, with weather conditions causing us to stop in Punta Arenas and then at Union Glacier to wait for our Twin Otter flight to Vincent Base Camp.
The fog dissipates and the sky clears.
Finally saw the mountain and headed to low camp. (Max Bond)
The team heads to highland camp.
Close to the top of the mountain.
It was a great lesson in patience for our entire team, and it paid off. The second half of the expedition couldn’t have gone more smoothly. With good weather and a strong climbing team, our team seemed to be climbing up the mountain with ease. With 100% desire to reach the summit, we returned to VBC only 6 days after leaving.
The team reached the summit of Mount Vincennes, which is 16,050 feet (4,892 meters) above sea level. (Max Bond)
The success of the summit, strong team, strong energy, strong leadership. Let’s all come together to have a great summit day!
On January 8, 2025, the summit of Mount Vincent in Antarctica was successfully reached! (Max Bond)
Team toast to a successful expedition (Max Bond) I would like to thank and congratulate the fantastic team we have on Vinson this year. There are only about 100-200 attempts on the Vinson Massif each year, and only about 1,200 summits since the first ascent in 1966. This means our team is joining an elite club of international climbers. Congratulations to everyone on your amazing achievement!
I would also like to thank our amazing team in the US: Becky, without you the expedition would not even leave IMG headquarters; Porter McMichael and Justin Merle who have contributed over the past few years For the valuable knowledge and hard work that went into building the cache along the mountain; and for the excellent leadership and guidance of Eric Simonson. We couldn’t do this without the participation of the entire team!
